A local pastor has been released from arrest and returned to Lebanon. Nihad Hassan, a Syrian Kurdish pastor, was detained in late July during a visit to northern Syria. He serves as the director of Kurdish ministries and pastors a church in Lebanon.

Further details about his arrest and release are available from Horizons International. Hassan's role in the community involves reaching out to Muslims in several countries, a mission he has been a part of since becoming a Christian in 2008. The community has welcomed Hassan back, with a celebration held at the Kurdish Church to mark his safe return.